Google reconsiders introducing facial recognition technology

Google is debating whether it should launch its new facial recognition
technology after criticism about its privacy settings.

The company is reviewing its products and the merit of introducing the controversial technology in light of recent complaints.

It is under investigation in several countries after admitting that its Street View mapping cars had inadvertently collected browsing information sent over wireless networks, although it says that none of this data can be traced to individuals.

Eric Schmidt, chief executive of Google, said any new product would be very carefully considered.

“Facial recognition is a good example… anything we did in that area would be highly, highly planned, discussed and reviewed,” he told The Financial Times.

“When you go through these things, you review your management procedures.”